God Bless The Child

PROFILE

Songwriters

Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.

Year Written

1939

About God Bless The Child

“God Bless The Child” is indelibly associated with Billie Holiday, who co-wrote the song. She first recorded it in 1941 on the Okeh label with Eddie Heywood and His Orchestra (which featured Roy Eldridge on trumpet). It’s a notable blues song, with more than a nod to hymn singing.

Lyrics

Them that’s got shall have
Them that’s not shall lose
So the Bible says and it still is news
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that’s got his own, that’s got his own

Yes the strong get smart
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don’t ever make the grade
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that’s got his own, that’s got his own

Money, you’ve got lots of friends
They’re crowding around your door
But when you’re gone and spending ends
They don’t come no more
Rich relations give crusts of bread and such
You can help yourself, but don’t take too much
Mama may have, Papa may have
But God bless the child that’s got his own, that’s got his own
That’s got his own

Session / Album Information

1959

“God Bless The Child” was recorded on October 28, 1959. It was an outtake from the album Tony Sings For Two and features Ralph Sharon on piano.

1996

“God Bless The Child” was recorded in June 1996 and released in 1997 on the album Tony Bennett On Holiday. This recording is a “duet” with Billie Holiday, based on her recording of the song with the Count Basie Orchestra.